James, Christine Margaret

Christine Margaret James of Calgary, AB passed away at home on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at the age of 80 years.

Margaret was born in Selkirk, MB on January 1, 1924 and was raised by her Icelandic parents along with her five siblings in Winnipeg, MB. Upon completing high school, she moved with her parents to Vancouver, BC where she met her husband, Thomas Herman James. Tom was working there during the winter and farming near Eston, SK the balance of the year. Together, Margaret and Tom built up the family farm and raised their two children, Mildred and Tom, on the farm. When the two children attended the University of Saskatchewan, Margaret and Tom moved into Saskatoon during the winter months. When both children finished their education and moved to Calgary, Margaret and Tom also moved to Calgary during the portion of the year that they were not farming. They used Calgary as a base to travel to different parts of the world and to maintain a close connection with their children and grandchildren. Each spring, they would return to the farm until Tom’s death in February 1998. From that date, Margaret lived at her home until her passing. Margaret always had lots of time and love for each of her grandchildren and loved to be close to them as they were growing up. Amma, as the grandchildren called her, always had a warm smile to greet us, a tender hug, a sweet understanding and encouraging wisdom to help us with each day. She loved to sew, knit and cook everyone’s favorite foods and desserts. Everyone was always welcome and entertained at Amma’s house, a place of happiness.

Margaret is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mildred and Rodger Hawkins, and their four sons, Glen, Mark, Kyle and Ryan; a son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Kathy James and their three children, Carl, Andrea and Susan.

Following a quiet Family Service in Calgary, AB, Margaret will be buried alongside her husband in Vancouver. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com.